Muskie Mayhem, Tiger Tales (Pics)
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2005 9:20 pm
Well, my birthday is approaching, and what better thing to ask for than an outing on our lake -- in the quest for tiger muskies. 
Bear with my long post; I'm still excited. 
We started by taking the family to Bass Pro Shops in Auburn to replenish some standard tackle which has been lost or broken over the summer. The kids enjoyed the huge tank and cool fish on display as always. Before leaving, I took a quick peek in the muskie aisle and liked the look of a tandem blade spinnerbait called "Slop Master". It was $12.99, but I played the "birthday card" again!
So around 5:30 we head out towards the lake, dropping Shane off at Gram's. The Tiny Torpedo wanted to join us, so we took him along for the fun. It was a beautiful night on the lake, hardly anyone out, and gulls and Canada geese providing some natural interest.
We got to our spot, about 12' in some good weeds -- despite the killing-off from the @#$%! water authority.
This 1st tiger muskie hit directly boatside and scared me half to death. It went skyward immediately after I set the hook, but after a brief, intense battle I landed it. It was 29" and a nice looking tiger. My heart was pumping!
For the next hour, we had nothing, not even a follow. Brian wanted to try topwater for largies, so we moved in a bit to about 8 or 9'. Weeds were still looking halfway decent, so I thought I'd keep going after muskies.
Good choice, as this 30-1/2 incher hit shortly thereafter. Another aerial display and a rocket-run toward and under the front of the boat...briefly encircling the trolling engine.
I thought I was going to lose this one, but managed to bring him back around and Brian netted him. The colors on this fish were spectacular!
So it was a double-header evening for me; and now my personal best for tiger muskies is up to 30-1/2". Not very big, but I'm heading in the right direction and both fish were still a thrill to catch.
Here are a few more shots from the evening. What a great night out!
The Slop Master
Tiny Torpedo with his new Shimano rod & reel. Only a rockie for him tonight, but he was upbeat the whole outing. Lots of smiles.
Cool sunset.
Bear with my long post; I'm still excited. We started by taking the family to Bass Pro Shops in Auburn to replenish some standard tackle which has been lost or broken over the summer. The kids enjoyed the huge tank and cool fish on display as always. Before leaving, I took a quick peek in the muskie aisle and liked the look of a tandem blade spinnerbait called "Slop Master". It was $12.99, but I played the "birthday card" again!
So around 5:30 we head out towards the lake, dropping Shane off at Gram's. The Tiny Torpedo wanted to join us, so we took him along for the fun. It was a beautiful night on the lake, hardly anyone out, and gulls and Canada geese providing some natural interest.
We got to our spot, about 12' in some good weeds -- despite the killing-off from the @#$%! water authority.
This 1st tiger muskie hit directly boatside and scared me half to death. It went skyward immediately after I set the hook, but after a brief, intense battle I landed it. It was 29" and a nice looking tiger. My heart was pumping!
For the next hour, we had nothing, not even a follow. Brian wanted to try topwater for largies, so we moved in a bit to about 8 or 9'. Weeds were still looking halfway decent, so I thought I'd keep going after muskies.
Good choice, as this 30-1/2 incher hit shortly thereafter. Another aerial display and a rocket-run toward and under the front of the boat...briefly encircling the trolling engine.
I thought I was going to lose this one, but managed to bring him back around and Brian netted him. The colors on this fish were spectacular! So it was a double-header evening for me; and now my personal best for tiger muskies is up to 30-1/2". Not very big, but I'm heading in the right direction and both fish were still a thrill to catch.
Here are a few more shots from the evening. What a great night out!
The Slop Master
Tiny Torpedo with his new Shimano rod & reel. Only a rockie for him tonight, but he was upbeat the whole outing. Lots of smiles.
Cool sunset.
